The latest edition of Dark Corners Physical Media Reviews dives into Imprint's 'Tales of Adventure' series, comprising six films from 1916 to 1971, prominently featuring adaptations of Jules Verne's works. The collection begins with 'Valley of the Dragons', a film inspired by the wave of Verne adaptations in the early 60s following Disney's success with '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'. Although criticized for recycling plot lines and footage, it maintains a charm that makes it surprisingly enjoyable.
'Master of the World', starring Vincent Price, follows with Price delivering a strong performance as a man driven to enforce world peace, though the film falls short of expectations in terms of entertainment. The collection also includes 'City in the Sea', directed by the notable Jacques Tourneur and featuring Price again. This film starts with intrigue and mystery but loses momentum as the narrative descends into broad comedy and routine exploration of an underwater city.
'Jules Verne's Rocket to the Moon' offers a comedic take, drawing more from madcap films like 'Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines' than from Verne's novels. Despite its star-studded cast, the film is noted for its overreliance on slapstick and a lack of wit that makes it tedious rather than compelling.
'The Light at the Edge of the World', adapted from Verne's posthumous novel, stands out for its serious tone, diverging from the lighter films in the set. It features Kirk Douglas and offers an unflinching portrayal of piracy, noted for Yul Brynner's elegant yet underutilized villain.
The set concludes with a notable historical piece: the 1916 silent film '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', renowned for its groundbreaking underwater photography. While visually striking, the narrative feels disjointed and relies heavily on the merging of storylines from Verne’s other works, such as 'Mysterious Island'.
The collection is bolstered by commentaries from film experts and plentiful extras, including a documentary on Richard Matheson, adding value to the set. Despite the solid lineup, the review notes a lack of a standout film that makes the collection a 'must-have'.